New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has levelled fresh allegations against Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, accusing him of involvement in a ‘hospital scam’. According to a detailed supplementary report submitted by Vigilance Minister Atishi to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Naresh Kumar’s son’s company, MetaMix, was allegedly awarded a contract to develop AI software for Delhi government’s Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) Hospital without the tender process.
The company, which was reportedly formed only eight months prior to the deal and is said to lack experience of creating AI software, is accused of making profits worth hundreds of crores from the project. “In a textbook case of nepotism, Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar influenced the resources and expertise of ILBS to be used to develop MetaMix’s technology free-of-cost; even getting ILBS to play a role in promoting and marketing the technology. All of this was achieved through signing of a MoU on a nomination basis with MetaMix,” the report states. It is noteworthy that the Chief Secretary of Delhi, Naresh Kumar also holds the position of Chairman of the Governing Council of ILBS Hospital. During his tenure, not only was the decision to approve the MOU with MetaMix sanctioned, but a Virtual Reality Lab was inaugurated under this agreement.
In light of these allegations, Minister Atishi has called for the immediate removal of Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar from his post and for disciplinary action to be taken. She has further recommended that the agreement between MetaMix and ILBS be terminated and the case be referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough probe.